Volts PG&E tries to prove that a big utility can innovate
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Jul 4, 2025 Quinn Nakayama, head of PG&E's innovative GRiD program, shares insights into California's struggling utility's transformation. He discusses bold strategies for faster interconnections to support electric vehicles and data centers. The conversation highlights the crucial role of drone technology for wildfire safety and the necessity for collaboration with external partners to drive utility innovation. Nakayama also touches on the ambitious goals for California's renewable energy future and the challenges of integrating AI in energy management.
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PG&E's Transparent R&D Strategy
- PG&E's R&D strategy openly shares challenges to attract partners focused on problem-solving.
- This flips innovation from technology-push to problem-driven, enhancing targeted solutions.
Utility Hiring Limits Innovation
- Utilities traditionally hire engineers and project managers, not entrepreneurs.
- This gap slows innovation since innovation requires entrepreneurial skillsets and a tolerance for risk.
Pepsi Trucks Early EV Integration
- PG&E fast-tracked electric trucks for Pepsi by 18 months, cutting 8,000 tons of CO2 and saving $1 million in fuel.
- Customers rarely needed to curtail flexibility, proving flexibility is feasible and valuable.
